How to Wrap a Horse's Knee Injury

Wrapping your horse's knee injury properly can aid healing while wrapping it incorrectly can create further problems. Wrap your horse's knee in a way that coincides with your horse's natural movements so that the dressing stays in place until a complete recovery is achieved.

Skill level:

Easy

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Things you need

Sterile, non-stick gauze

Absorbent rolled cotton

Support bandage wrap

Vet wrap

Surgical tape

Scissors

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Instructions

1

Cover the wound with sterile, non-stick gauze. Place absorbent, rolled cotton completely around the knee beginning approximately 4-6 inches above the knee and ending 4-6 inches below the knee, creating a 1-inch thickness of padding. Secure with surgical tape.

Wrap the knee from front to back beginning approximately 4-6 inches above and below the knee using the support bandage wrap. Begin from the outside and wrap toward the inside of the knee starting at approximately 1/2 inch below the support bandage, stretching the wrap taut but not tight. Use scissors to cut the bandage wrap to desired length.

Rolled bandage for wrapping (bandage image by lefebvre_jonathan from Fotolia.com)

3

Using the remaining bandage to overlap the prior bandage at least halfway across, keeping the bandage lying flat and smooth against the knee and surrounding area. Use scissors to cut the necessary length. Use vet wrap to secure the bandage wrap and seal the wound from contamination.

Vet wrap for securing all bandages (wrap image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com)

Tips and warnings

Be sure wrapping material lies flat and wrinkle-free against the skin.

Use enough pressure, when wrapping the knee, to minimise swelling and keep the bandage in place.

Be sure to cut out a hole in the bandage behind the knee to prevent pressure sores from forming.

A horse with a knee injury should be confined to a stall or enclosed area to allow adequate time for complete healing.

Check the bandage wrap regularly, watching for signs of swelling, irritation or lameness and change wrapping as needed.

Because the knee of a horse is a vital structure, knee injuries should be checked by a licensed veterinarian.

Never wrap the bandage so tightly that you cannot easily slip a finger between the bandage and the knee.

Don't wrap the bandage too loosely or it may slip. If the horse shows signs of appetite loss, depression, fever or biting at the wound, consult a veterinarian immediately.